Depp Wins Defamation Lawsuit: CNN says a Fairfax, Virginia jury ruled in favor of Johnny Depp yesterday in his defamation lawsuit against ex-wife Amber Heard. The jury found that she fabricated claims that he abused her during their marriage. The jury awarded him $10 million in compensatory damages and $5 million in punitive damages. The jury also awarded $2 million in compensatory damages to Heard. The Daily Mail says Johnny was in a London pub when the verdict was read. Bravewords says Johnny is in the UK performing with Jeff Beck. During their shows, they have been covering Jimi Hendrix, John Lennon and Marvin Gaye songs.

Johnny Depp statement: “False, very serious and criminal allegations were levied at me via the media, which triggered an endless barrage of hateful content, although no charges were ever brought against me. It had already traveled around the world twice within a nanosecond and it had a seismic impact on my life and my career.”

Amber Heard statement: The disappointment I feel today is beyond words. I’m heartbroken that the mountain of evidence still was not enough to stand up to the disproportionate power, influence, and sway of my ex-husband. I’m even more disappointed with what this verdict means for other women. It is a setback. It sets back the clock to a time when a woman who spoke up and spoke out could be publicly shamed and humiliated. It sets back the idea that violence against women is to be taken seriously. I believe Johnny’s attorneys succeeded in getting the jury to overlook the key issue of Freedom of Speech and ignore evidence that was so conclusive that we won in the UK. I’m sad I lost this case. But I am sadder still that I seem to have lost a right I thought I had as an American—to speak freely and openly.”